Now, I’m the first to admit that the ways of our government are strange. But, that seems to be the way it has functioned since Gen. George “Muttonhead” Washington was sworn into office. (Yes, that really was his nickname.) It seems that making contradictory decisions are a hallmark of government. But I have to say, considering the Military’s new stand against tattoos, that I like this one.
A company known as Global Tattoo Orthotic Prosthetic Innovations has made its business by painting tattoo art onto prosthetic limbs. To make things even cooler they have been given the green light to provide the service to our veterans by none other than Department of Veterans Affairs, thus paving the way to become a U.S. government contractor.
Now, I don’t know about other artists out there, but I would tattoo a wounded veteran for free. I figured since they had put their ass on the line for me, it was the least I could do. They had already paid the price in blood. This takes it one step further.
One of the most traumatic things that can happen to a human being is to lose a limb, and to lose said limb in service to our country is the ultimate price, short of dying, that is.
According to their website:
“Twenty years into wearing a prosthetic, Dan Horkey, a trained Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician, created his own socket and applied his first tattoo, thereby initiating the tattooed prosthetic concept.
Global Tattoo Orthotic Prosthetic Innovations (GTOPI) founder Dan Horkey pioneered an innovative method for applying artwork to braces and prosthetics, empowering fellow amputees to express their individualistic ideas through custom orthotic tattoo. Horkey’s process vastly expands the options beyond the laminated fabric choices currently available.”
Custom painted cosmetic services are now available to Veterans through all VA Hospitals across the U.S. and your hometown VA Contractor Clinics. And, as far as I can tell is a service that is now covered by the VA.
Now is that cool, or what?
So, you vets out there. If your missing your old tattoo, or you just want to show your well deserved pride in your service, hit the link and check ‘em out. They have some really cool pictures of their artwork.
For our civilian readers who may want some of the same for their own prosthetics, they do that, too. And considering the beauty and durability of their work…it’s well worth it.
All images ©Global Tattoo Orthotic Prosthetic Innovations, all rights reserved.